The company behind the Skyfire display will investigate the cause of a malfunction that lead to a barge of fireworks exploding on Lake Burley Griffin sending embers to land on the nearby shore near crowds.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fortunato Foti, the creative director of Foti International Fireworks who has designed the Skyfire display for more than 15 years, said a barge malfunctioned as part of the display and was isolated and switched off.
"The operator was not injured at all and there was no other injuries at all that I'm aware of," he said.
"Obviously safety is paramount for us, also with the operator as well as the public. We'll try and rectify the cause of the issue."
Mr Foti said the company ran a vigorous training regime for all licensed firework operators and trained people before they were qualified and licensed.
The operator on the barge was a veteran and correctly followed safety procedures.
"He's a veteran display operator, he's been doing this for 15 years," Mr Foti said.
A spokeswoman for WorkSafe ACT confirmed inquiries were being made in relation to the incident.
"The extensive safety procedures that were in place will be reviewed with the approved operator," she said.
"As these inquiries are ongoing at this time, further comment cannot be provided."
Canberrans wrote on social media about their fear when the barge exploded.
"Scary #Canberra #skyfire fireworks tonight. Had a barge mislaunch into our direction. Screaming terrified kids. Fortunately they managed to shut it down straight away," wrote Ruth Ellison on Twitter.
Bailee Parker-Phillips posted a video on The Canberra Times Facebook page, and said the explosion shook the ground.
A spokeswoman for Emergency Services said on Saturday night they weren't required at the scene after the fireworks exploded.
The explosion occurred during Peking Duk's song Fire, part of the 18-minute synchronised soundtrack broadcast during the firework display.
The radio station that organised Skyfire, Hit 104.7, said in a statement on Saturday night to confirm the malfunction.
"We can advise that one firework did malfunction, and while a small number of embers were reported to have landed along the nearby shoreline, no members of the public were injured," the statement read.
"The malfunction resulted in the barge being isolated before the pyrotechnic team member in attendance, who is fine, followed procedure."
